In a hilarious moment from a marathon House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on May 14, 2025, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) was captured on video sleeping, surrounded by water bottles and slumped in her chair.
For context, users on social media blasted the Democrat with many accusing her of being hungover or negligent. Dingell defended herself, claiming exhaustion after debating proposed Medicaid charges for 31 hours.
In a series of comedic posts, conservatives blasted the Republican. Bernard Conway joked, “It’s called a hangover, thus the 4 water bottles.” Laughing, another social media user quipped that she “Must be smoking that good Michigan weed.” Questioning the footage, another asked, “Was she snoring in the mic?”
In a vain attempt to defend herself, Rep. Debbie Dingell noted that she had “been up for 31 hours straight fighting Republicans trying to gut Medicaid.” Additionally, the Democrat claimed that she “Closed my eyes to think about an America where everyone has access to quality, affordable health care.”
Doubling down, her office told the press that “At the time of the video, Congresswoman Dingell had been up for 27 hours, including working all night in committee to fight Republicans’ efforts to gut Medicaid.” However, one republican speaking to the same outlet joked that the Democrat “may have needed a quick power nap.”
Unwilling to believe this narrative, a conservative asked, “Deb, you really think we believe that crap??? Step down for the sake of your constituents!” Agreeing, Matt Van Swol whipped, “Don’t stay up all night if you can’t do your job the next morning.”
Continuing the target social media criticism, one commentator asked, “Can we start with America, which protects women? You voted NO on the Laken Riley Violence Against Women Act AND yes to include men in women’s bathrooms.” Another witty commentator asked, “Is there a real difference when she is awake?”
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A series of conservative users blasted the Democrat. For example, Nick Sortor posted ” WTF?! Democrat Rep. Debbie Dingell is literally ASLEEP in a committee hearing this morning Congress is an absolute joke.” In the comments, one conservative joked, “In the private sector Dingell would be fired for sleeping on the job.”
Many conservatives were enraged by the clip, such as one who noted, Rep Debbie Dingell should be immediately expelled … Sleeping thru a hearing is despicable.. She is involved in many committees and this picture says tons about her commitment to her oath and the people of Michigan she represents..”
Similarly, Benny Johnson added, “Term limits. Democrat Rep. Debbie Dingell was caught sleeping during a committee hearing this morning.” Agreeing another adderd, ” Democrat Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI) is literally SLEEPING in a committee hearing this morning. Must be tired from all the days they’ve had to work this year.”
Watch the clip here:
Rounding out the comedic comments, many called for her to face consequences for her unprofessional actions. One such comment wrote, “WAKE UP!!!! Democrat Rep. Debbie Dingell FELL ASLEEP during a committee hearing this morning. SHE HAS ONE JOB!!!” Building on this point, another added, “hilarious….dozing debbie dingell…..best work is when she is sleeping”
Featured image from embedded video